Israeli Forces Capture the Old City of Jerusalem
June 7th, 1967
June 7th, 1967
How Long Ago?
57 years, 9 months, 8 days ago
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Six-Day War
People
- Moshe Dayan
- Yitzhak Rabin
- Levi Eshkol
- Abdullah I
Links & References
Tags
Israeli Forces Capture the Old City of Jerusalem
Israeli soldiers entered Jerusalem, taking control of the Old City from Jordanian forces. This marked a significant moment in the Six-Day War, which had begun just days earlier. The capture of Jerusalem was celebrated in Israel as a reunification of the city, a place of profound historical, religious, and national significance. The Israeli Defense Forces aimed to secure their position and enhance territorial control, leading to intense military engagement in the city.
Israeli forces launched an offensive on June 5.
Old City has significant religious and historical sites.
Fighting included control of the Temple Mount.
Dramatically shifted Israeli-Palestinian relations.
What Happened?
The entry of Israeli soldiers into Jerusalem culminated in a swift military operation during the Six-Day War, which began on June 5, 1967. In a series of preemptive strikes against neighboring Arab states, Israel sought to protect its borders and expand its territory. The Old City of Jerusalem, a site revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was heavily defended by Jordanian forces. The fierce combat combined with the strategic importance of the city made this operation pivotal. Israeli forces launched their offensive with a coordinated attack, utilizing ground troops and air support to overpower the Jordanian positions. Within hours, heavy fighting erupted around key neighborhoods and religious sites, including the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, which further heightened the stakes of the conflict. Despite fierce resistance, Israeli troops succeeded in entering the Old City.
Why Does it Matter?
The capture of Jerusalem fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the region. It not only asserted Israeli sovereignty over the city but also intensified the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with deep-rooted implications for future peace negotiations. The symbolism attached to Jerusalem solidified its status as a focal point of national identity for Israelis and a contested area for Palestinians, making its capture during the Six-Day War an enduring topic of international discourse.
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